Personal Injury Law

Officer Killed on Lake Shore Drive - Too Icy or Not Enough Salt?

By Jamie G. Goldstein

A Chicago police officer was killed during the early morning of February 22, 2010, when his car spun out of control on a Lake Shore Drive off ramp. The ramp was icy and the car smashed into a tree and a pole. The officer was apparently responding to a call regarding a burglary.

There are now questions being asked as to why the ramp was so icy. Was it because there was no salt put on the ramp? Was Chicago Streets and Sanitation instructed to not salt Lake Shore Drive? Why would the City not want this large stretch of road traveled daily by thousands of people salted?

Right now it appears there are no answers to these questions or whether there really was a no salt order on Lake Shore Drive. If there was one in affect though, many Chicago motorist are currently in harms way. There is still plenty of time left for icy conditions in Chicago this year. It is critical that the City investigate this as soon as possible and make certain that the proper precautions, including salting, are being taken on Lake Shore Drive. It seems to be a simple solution that may have saved a police officers life and may prevent future injuries and deaths.

While we are all waiting for answers, be sure to drive careful and watch for icy conditions, especially on Lake Shore Drive.

Full post as published by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on February 23, 2010 (boomark / email).